Small cars are the cute ones that people like on the road. Ideal for city drivers, first-time car owners and empty nesters, they’re fuel efficient, easy to park and, unsurprisingly, less expensive than their bigger siblings.
However, these vehicles may also lack features and feel less comfortable than larger car categories. Fortunately, today’s top models are stepping it up, packing more technology and safety features into their low sticker prices, while increasing performance and comfort.
We compared the small cars on the market for attributes such as value for money, safety and performance. Below are our top five picks, with explanations of how each one stands out from the pack. The specifications listed for the cars are for the trim level we evaluated, which we felt offered the best value.
You might also want to consider our picks for the best compact cars. These vehicles may be a little smaller than some of the options below, but they offer more room for passengers and cargo than our picks for subcompact cars.
Our picks for the best small cars of 2023
Hyundai Elantra — Better overall and better value Toyota Corolla – Best for functions Mazda Mazda 3 – Better for handling Honda Civic – The best for security Acura Integra – Better for performance
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Reviews of the best small cars
Best overall and best value: Hyundai Elantra
– Courtesy of Hyundai
Courtesy of Hyundai
Low cost of ownership
Agile handling
Lower power than some competitors
The Hyundai Elantra costs less to buy, maintain and repair, as well as refuel, than most of its competition. Even its best-value trim (SEL, a notch above the base model) starts at just $21,900, which is low for the segment.
That said, the Elantra is no slouch, despite its low cost of ownership and small size, even for this class. While the 147-horsepower engine is less muscular than the others on this list, this Hyundai was particularly adept around corners and remarkably smooth on the pavement. We like that it comes with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and optional heated front seats.
Best for Features: Toyota Corolla
– Courtesy of Toyota
Courtesy of Toyota
Many features that come at an additional cost to competitors
Quiet ride, especially for a small car
Less nimble handling than most, even for this category
The Toyota Corolla packs more features than any competitor, and even the base LE model should be loaded enough for most buyers. It’s almost as fuel efficient as the Hyundai Elantra.
All Corolla models support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a safety feature typically only found in more expensive vehicles.
The Corolla’s ride doesn’t seem as dynamic as rivals, but it’s still quiet, comfortable and reliable.
Best for handling: Mazda Mazda 3
– Courtesy of Mazda
Courtesy of Mazda
Lively handling, especially in corners
Easy-to-use infotainment system
Expensive, especially for a small car
The Mazda Mazda3 costs a few thousand dollars more than some options on this list, but it’s a real driver’s car with the performance credentials to match.
With a 191-horsepower engine, this Mazda accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, making it one of the fleetest cars in the bunch. It also handles curves and corners with agility. (The Volkswagen Jetta was still a bit faster, but it’s hampered by a small, glitch-prone infotainment screen and the worst headlights of any small car we’ve looked at.)
The Mazda3’s infotainment system boasts the largest screen size in the category, even in the base model. Optional leatherette seats are another unusual perk for a small car.
Most drivers should opt for the Mazda3’s 2.5 Select model, a notch above the base model, for additional features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Best for safety: Honda Civic
– Courtesy of Honda
Courtesy of Honda
Headlight safety
Plenty of cargo space
A solid choice in a small car, the Honda Civic stands out for its safety features, especially its headlights, and its sporty ride.
Today, most cars are considered very safe to drive, receiving high marks from the nation’s two rating agencies, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. roads (IIHS). However, the Civic is the only car on this list to pass the IIHS headlight test for nighttime visibility in all of its trim levels.
It also has the largest cargo hold in the segment. Its trunk measures 14.8 cubic feet, enough to hold several suitcases or shopping bags.
Best for Performance: Acura Integra
– Courtesy of Acura
Courtesy of Acura
Rich in standard driver assistance technologies
Large touch screen
Expensive, especially for a small car
The Acura Integra joins the new car market in 2023 after a 17-year hiatus. Acura’s small sports car has been relaunched as a sporty ride powered by a 200 horsepower engine. The car’s 0-60 mph time is 7.0 seconds, beating the 8.1 seconds of the next fastest car in the group, the Mazda 3. The rugged ride and premium features like Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, make the Integra the most expensive small car.
The optional A-Spec Technology Package adds wireless smartphone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a head-up display and a larger 9-inch screen.
The Integra has the most standard safety technologies on this list. Every Integra features AcuraWatch, a suite of innovative driver assistance technologies designed to improve driver awareness and avoid collisions. Features include Traffic Sign Recognition, which detects and notifies the driver of posted speed limits and speed limit signs, and Traffic Jam Assist, which helps steer at low speeds during heavy traffic.
Jaclyn Trop is an award-winning journalist who tests and reviews vehicles, as well as covering automotive news. His name has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Fortune, Consumer Reports and US News & World Report, among other publications.
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